Jehovah`s Witness/An apology

Thank you for taking the time to respond to what I had. First I want to apologise for not having fully comprehended that in my fist “Hypothetical Question” that I had thought you had not provided answers to my questions. There was so much other information that you got side tracked onto, that your answers were obscured for me. I have re read the first question and answer slowly, and hopefully with more care and I can see where you did provide answers. So I apologise for saying that you ...“did not really cover what I was looking for. You never really gave any Bible principles on how you (or your church) would respond to that situation” ... My mind was so full of all the other stuff you wrote, that for me was unwarranted that your answers to my questions just got lost. But I have been told that I do the same thing at times that is provide more information than what a person asks. The lesson for me is to read matters several times if they are long.

I have been asked a question that has made me go back and re read what was said with fresh eyes and it seems I will be answering some of your question as a result of the question I have been asked.

AnswerHello, Mr. Hepburn. I hope this reply finds you in good health.

Thank you for the apology, but it wasn't something you had to do. You are correct that my first reply was extremely long, because like you, I tend to want to cover everything that can possibly be covered. I have learned to do this, because if I don't, certain people often look for statements that they can take out of context and manipulate. So, I like to give very detailed answers and cover all the loose ends, for the most part. Not saying that you do take my words out of context, because you don't. But many do.

After reading where you said I didn't answer your initial questions, it caused me to go back and re-read my answer again, to see what I had missed. As I was doing it, I honestly felt I had answered the questions as asked, but was certainly willing to expound on anything that you wanted more information on.

By your last paragraph, I assume you mean that you heard from a questioner about my latest response, and you will be addressing it. I will look for your response in the forum when you complete it. Again, the observance of a day regarding Christ's birth, is something that is neither forbidden nor commanded in the Scriptures, therefore, I am not inclined to try and convince anyone that they should celebrate it. My intent was merely to explain my reasons for doing so. But I will be looking forward to your reply.

Expertise

I was raised in the religion known as Jehovah`s Witnesses for 13 years. Since becoming a born-again Christian, I have researched extensively this religion, especially their doctrines and their history. I can answer questions about their doctrines from the perspective of Biblical Christianity. To be clear: Jehovahs Witnesses is the religion of my upbringing, though I myself was never baptized into the religion, nor have I ever been considered as a Jehovahs Witness.

Experience

29 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.

OrganizationsI would advise each questioner to this forum, to carefully READ the profiles of the various volunteers. There are several such as myself, who are not practicing JWs, but will provide you with an accurate and honest answer, regarding JW teaching. If we don't know the answer, we will try to research and get it for you. There are also some excellent practicing JWs here, who also endeavor to give you a factual and honest answer, based on their point of view. I believe by getting both points of view, the questioner can weigh the evidence for themselves, and make an informed decision.
Unfortunately, there are also 3 here who claim to be JWs, but do NOT give honest, or well-researched answers. They will tell you only what they want you to believe, and they often hide facts about the history of their religion, as well as print untruths about other people's beliefs. This is done in an attempt to deceive the unsuspecting reader. It can be easily seen who these 3 are, simply by reading the public posts and "answers" which they write. Their posts will normally be filled with personal attacks, and if you question them about some teaching or aspect of the Watchtower that makes them uncomfortable, they will often reject your question, question your motives for asking it, tell you that you have been reading "apostate" sites, or turn the conversation into an attack on another expert. These ones are better avoided, as there is nothing to be gained by way of positive discussion, as they are not interested in intelligent conversation, or honest dialogue. If after reading the forum, you still have any questions as to who they are, just ask me, and I will be happy to tell you. And I can also provide documentation of their willful dishonesty.
One thing is for certain...in a forum where people from both sides claim to be "Christians", there should never be any willful lying. Such ones only create a distraction in the forum, and provide nothing of any real value.

Education/CredentialsHigh School, some college. Studies of God's Word, the Bible, and how it compares to JW theology. I have found my own personal study and experiences to be far more valuable than any formal education or training. The Bible message is clear...Salvation is ONLY through and by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and no religious organization has a thing to do with it. While attendance at a Bible-preaching, Bible-believing church is a must for spiritual growth and fellowship, no church can grant salvation to its members. Nor is joining a particular group a prerequisite for being saved.